COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment

Guidelines

COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment Guidelines

docx 1.5 MB | Updated: 20 March 2022

COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment Guidelines

pdf 247.88 KB | Updated: 20 March 2022

Your questions answered

Eligibility for the COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment

The Test Isolation Payment is closed.

To have been eligible for the COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment, at the time you applied you must:

• be 17 years and over; and
• have taken a polymerase chain reaction PCR test for COVID-19, or be the guardian or carer of someone who has taken a PCR test, within the last two weeks and no later than Tuesday 1 March 2022¹; and
• live in Victoria; and
• be likely to have undertaken paid work (workers include those that are permanent, casual, part-time, fixed term, and self-employed) during the self-isolation period and unable to work due to:
  • a requirement to self-isolate after the test; or
  • a requirement to care for someone who must self-isolate after a test; and
• not receive any income or earnings during the self-isolation period; and
• have exhausted or not have entitlement or access to sick leave or carers leave (including any special pandemic leave) during the self-isolation period; and
• not be receiving Australian Government income support such as the JobSeeker payment, during the self-isolation period; and
• not receive another worker support payment, including the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, for the same self-isolation period. For example, you cannot receive a Test Isolation Payment for a test you took while completing quarantine, if you are already receiving the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment for that period.

¹ The eligibility requirement that an application must be submitted within the two weeks following a COVID-19 test may be waived at the discretion of the Department, based on consideration of extenuating circumstances - for example, if you were unwell or unable to access a computer. For further assistance please call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

Why has the Test Isolation Payment program closed?

The Test Isolation Payment was introduced to support workers to stay home from work and quarantine while waiting for the results of a PCR test. Now, we can receive test results within minutes, with Rapid antigen tests the recommended method of testing.

Financial and other supports are available to Victorians who are financially impacted by COVID-19.
Visit Isolation support and emergency relief.

What other financial supports are available?

There are several other support programs available, including the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee which provides casual and contract workers in certain jobs with up to 38 hours a year of sick and carer’s pay. Check your eligibility and apply now at vic.gov.au/sickpayguarantee

You can find information about supports available to Victorians who are financially impacted by COVID-19.

Visit Financial and other support for COVID-19.

Where can I get a rapid antigen test?

You can purchase a rapid antigen test kit from supermarkets, pharmacies or online from selected suppliers.

Eligible Commonwealth concession card holders can access free rapid antigen tests through the concessional access program

For more information on rapid antigen tests, visit Rapid antigen tests.

Can I appeal my unsuccessful outcome?

If you want more information about why your application was unsuccessful, please call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. If after speaking to us, you believe that you meet the eligibilty criteria, you can request a review of your application outcome.

Can I return my Test Isolation Payment?

Yes, if you would like to return your payment to the Department, you can do so by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. Alternatively, you can email COVID19programs@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

Please ensure that you:

• clearly state that you want to return your payment; and
• provide your GA number (this can be found at the top of your application form or in the confirmation email you received after submitting your application).

Note: The Department is unable to provide advice on your eligibility for Commonwealth Government COVID-19 support payments, such as the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

Please contact Services Australia or seek independent advice.